An Eyewitness Account from Parisian Musician, Critic and Journalist, Edmond Michotte.

Originally presented by the Vermont Opera Theater – Montpelier, VT

In 1860 Wagner went to Paris for the opening of his new opera, Tannhauser.  While there he made the obligatory visits to the great composers living in and around the city.  His visit to Rossini was memorable as the older Bel Canto school composer had reportedly made some very discouraging remarks about Wagner’s music, so Wagner went with more that a bit of trepidation.  These rumors proved to be false and what ensued was an afternoon of an exchange of musical ideas and reminiscences about their careers and accomplishments, in which they shared opinions on and cited influences of a number of the great composer of their era.  All this was recorded by the Parisian musician and journalist, Edmond Michotte.

The conversation between these two musical giants yields a treasure trove of humor, sagacity and mutual admiration.